Comfort of the Afflicted

Comforting the Afflicted, sometimes called Comforting the Sorrowful, is a spiritual work of mercy because it refers to our need to support each other emotionally and spiritually. God’s mercy towards us is not merely given for our own comfort in affliction, but so that we might also display His mercy as we comfort others:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. (2 Cor 1:3-4)

For those who are not compassionate by nature, speaking truth into a situation is much easier than showing compassion. However, if we are to model St. Joseph and display the character of God in its fullest expression, we also need to extend mercy and give comfort to those around us, especially our families. Comforting the Afflicted is part of the “job description” as it were for a spouse, a parent, and even more so for clergy.

Life is filled with many sorrows. Whether it’s financial problems, marital hardships, rebellious children, difficulties in relationships, the death of loved ones/parishioners, or a thousand other woes, we will all experience misery in life.

God will give you all the mercy and comfort you need for every affliction you endure, but don’t let that comfort end with you. Don’t simply hold on to the care you have received. Let it grow you and make you better at caring for those God has given you opportunity to care for. Remember that you don’t have to go it alone! No matter the situation, you can look to St. Joseph to be your consolation. He knows well the hardships of life. He is a kind and loving father and he can intercede for you in times of need.

St. Joseph, Comfort of the Afflicted, pray that I may be merciful to others as God has been merciful to me. Help me to have a compassionate heart to those entrusted to me and to have the humility to receive mercy and compassion in times when I am afflicted. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Having identified the crosses you and your family currently bear, spend some quiet moments asking Jesus to give you His heart of compassion and mercy that you may come alongside your loved ones to lighten their load.

Litany of St. Joseph

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph Most Just, pray for us.
Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us.
Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us.
Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us.
Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us.
Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of Patience, pray for us.
Lover of Poverty, pray for us.
Model of Workmen, pray for us.
Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.
Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of Families, pray for us.
Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Hope of the Sick, pray for us.
Patron of the Dying, pray for us.
Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
He has made him lord of his household,
And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

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